[Orv Neisingh]

If you are flying a Rotorway that is over 10 years old you need to verify that the fuel tank outlet fitting has been modified with the addition of the internal washer to secure it securely inside of the fuel tank. I had one fall out at altitude on a customers helicopter and we are fortunate to be alive. I heckled Rotorway to add this mod to their kits and eventually after several other fitting incidents they finally made the change. For a full discussion on this go to my web site info at the green button at the top of this page, click on Hints and Tips, and then Fuel System.

[Paul Berg]

Thanks, Orv. I’m rebuilding using parts from a kit that was never completed and it would not have occurred to me to check this!

[Orv Neisingh]

Thanks, Orv. I’m rebuilding using parts from a kit that was never completed and it would not have occurred to me to check this!

Hi Paul, you should also check out the Hints and Tips in my web site via the green button at the top of the page for more helpful hints.

[Lyle Swallows]

this was considered an AD/SB wasnt it?M-24

actually looking at it, not necessarily for the retention...

regardless a good reminder to look at all areas and especially applicable AD's, SB's and Mandatory Letters!

i wish the factory was still around to provide some more guidance with these. we'll just try and live and learn!

[Orv Neisingh]

That is a different issue. The original factory design used the friction of the compressed seal to hold the entire assembly in place. As the ship is flown the sharp edge on the shoulder of the aluminum outlet fitting cuts the seal portion that is mushroomed in the tank. Once that happens there is no mechanical barrier keeping the fuel outlet fitting in the tank. The addition of the inside washer as shown in the hints and tips section under fuel system show how this modification is critical and finally the factory included it in subsequent kits.

[Homer Bell]

Not sure if it has been noted here, but the outlet needed to have the tapered part machined off so the new washer has a nice flat surface to be pulled up against on the inside of the .

[Orv Neisingh]

When I check out a Rotorway that I have not previously inspected, I grab the fuel outlet fitting/fuel line connection and see if it will rock back and forth in the fuel tank. If it is not solidly fastened to the fuel tank and allowing any movement at all it needs to be checked out to insure that the internal washer mod has been installed. Also regarding running out of fuel that Homer mentioned, do not trust your fuel gauge, know how much fuel you have prior to your flight by using a dip hose and then time your flight so that you know when you need to land with the required reserves.